The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that an accident occurred in Dent County Sunday afternoon at 12:55 on Highway 32 five miles west of Salem. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2001 Chevrolet S10, driven by a 33-year-old Salem woman, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck several trees, and a fence. The woman suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that the woman was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

The National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training program is coming to Rolla at the Rolla Fire Department at 1490 East 10th Street on June 10th for those interested in becoming certified. Safe Kids Worldwide is the certifying body and responsible for managing all aspects of the program. They work closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Child Passenger Safety Board, and are sponsored by State Farm. Child Passenger Safety technicians and instructors use their considerable knowledge and expertise at a variety of community-based activities, such as child safety seat checks, where parents and caregivers receive education and hands-on assistance. CPS technicians and instructors also keep up-to-date on the latest technical information about child passenger safety through seminars and other continuing education opportunities. All CPS technicians must take and pass the CPS Certification Course and pay a course fee of $95. To learn more about the course and/or about becoming a tech, visit cert.safekids.org. If you are interested in attending the course in Rolla, you must be at least 18 years old at the time the course starts. The standardized child passenger safety technician (CPST) certification course is usually 3-4 days long and combines classroom instruction, hands-on work with car seats and vehicles, and a community safety seat checkup. Attendance is required for the entire course and the ID number to use on your application is MO20250127151.
Echo Bluff State Park will host a festival all about our feathered friends and the native plants that can keep them happy and healthy. The event will begin at the amphitheater with a live bird program presented by the World Bird Sanctuary. On Saturday, June 7th from 11:00 in the mroning until 2:00 in the afternoon, visitors of all ages can participate in a variety of activities related to birds and blossoms. Activities will include arts and crafts, games, bird-watching opportunities, and more. This event is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Pets will not be allowed at the live bird program. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive, just off Highway 19 south of Salem. You can call 573-751-1224 for more information.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has proposed increases to hunting, fishing, and trapping permit prices for 2026, receiving initial approval from the Missouri Conservation Commission at its May 16 meeting in Jefferson City. The changes aim to help MDC maintain infrastructure and services while addressing rising costs. The proposal includes significant increases to nonresident deer and turkey hunting permits to align more closely with surrounding states’ pricing. MDC also plans to create new nonresident permits, including a $60 migratory bird permit and a $40 trout permit. MDC Director Jason Sumners noted that resident hunters generally support adjusting nonresident permit prices to be comparable with neighboring states. Missouri currently hosts approximately 43,000 nonresident deer hunters, 10,000 nonresident spring turkey hunters, and 165,000 nonresident anglers annually. Notable proposed increases include resident hunting and fishing combination permits rising from $20.50 to $22.50; nonresident firearm deer permits increasing from $288 to $360; and nonresident spring turkey permits going from $243.50 to $304.50. Most resident permits will see modest increases of $1-2. The price adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index related to cost-of-living increases from 2008 to 2024. MDC recommends a gradual 50% CPI-based increase over ten years for resident permits, while accelerating increases for nonresident deer and turkey permits. The public comment period for the proposed changes runs from July 2 to July 31, 2025. Comments can be submitted at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/public-commenting-opportunities. The Commission will consider final approval at its September 12 meeting, with changes taking effect January 1, 2026, if approved. Permit sales represent approximately 17% of MDC’s annual revenue, with the Conservation Sales Tax providing about 62% and federal reimbursements accounting for 15%. MDC receives no funding from tickets, citations, or the state’s general revenue budget. The average Missourian pays about $24 annually for conservation efforts through the Conservation Sales Tax. For complete details on all proposed permit changes and MDC’s fiscal information, residents can read the MDC Annual Review for Fiscal Year 2024 in the January 2025 issue of the Missouri Conservationist, available online at mdc.mo.gov/magazines/missouri-conservationist/2025-01.